Snakes don't have external ears like mammals. Instead, they have a special bone called the quadrate bone in their lower jaw that transmits vibrations from the ground to their inner ear.
The tongue plays a vital role in this process. A snake flicks its tongue out to pick up scent particles in the air. These particles stick to the tongue's surface and are then transferred to a special organ called the Jacobson's organ located in the roof of the snake's mouth.
The Jacobson's organ analyzes the scent particles, and the information is then relayed to the snake's brain. This helps the snake locate prey, identify potential mates, and navigate their environment.
While the tongue doesn't directly hear, its role in gathering scent information is crucial for a snake's ability to "hear" its surroundings.